Table With Convertible Top

ABSTRACT

A table which has a removable top such that one side is a conventional table and the other side has a graphic or logo thereon. The convertible table top is set in a recess in the table base. The table base includes sliding trays for storage and including cup holders.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a table which has a removable top such that one side is a conventional table and the other side has a graphic or logo thereon. The graphic or logo may relate to a sports team or sport's personality, as well as other logos.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming tables which allow for furniture uses on one hand and gaming uses on the other hand are well known. However, these tables are generally configured such that the alternate gaming faces or surfaces are contained within a compartment in the table and can be exchanged so that the individuals can play chess, checkers, card games, poker, or the like. In other configurations, an insert may be placed on the top of the table or locked onto the top of the table.

Sports team logo graphics may be placed on a table top, but such graphics are typically permanent on the sole table top. While the man of the house may be able to enjoy using his table on “Game Day” in a den or basement, the woman of the house may not want such a table in the living room or dining room. Therefore, a need exists for a convertible table such that the table top has one side which is a conventional wood or wood veneer for use most days of the week, with the reverse side of the table top including a graphic such as a sport's team logo, or NASCAR logo, or an individual sports figure personality picture.

The field has long been motivated to provide tables useful for one specific purpose and has recently explored a table with two purposes such as a combination of eating and gaming. For example, Bagley, U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,378, describes a convertible table structure for playing bumper pool and for sitting at and dining. The top member, when in place on the table top, provides a dining table surface area or a card gaming table surface, depending on which side of the top member is displayed and, with the top member removed, access to the bumper pool game. Zimmers et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,871,655 discloses yet another convertible game table having a combination of a pool game table and a reversible flat top.

Although each of the above devices may be useful for its intended purpose, it would be beneficial to have a table with a multi-function table top. It would be further beneficial to have a table top which has a conventional appearance on one side and a graphic on the other side, such table top being easily convertible. Further, it would be beneficial to have a mechanism within the table for easy conversion of the table top from the conventional appearance to the bottom surface with a graphic or logo thereon. Further, storage of multiple tops would be beneficial within the table itself.

These and other objects of the invention shall be discussed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a table with a removable table top including one side which has a surface of a conventional table top and the other side has a graphic thereon. The present table comprises a support, a table base including a removable and convertible table top set within a recess of the table base. The table top has two different surfaces, and is receivable by the table base with either surface upward and viewed by an observer.

The present table has a variety of uses. For example, the present invention can be set up for use as an ordinary dining table or coffee table with a conventional wood, metal or polymer appearance surface. The table base has a reversible top, with two different sides or surfaces, which allow the table top to be converted from one use to another depending on how the top is installed within the table base to expose one of the sides of the top. A table top having, for example, a wood appearance on one side and a graphic on the other side can be converted between the two surfaces by removing and reversing the table top and placed within the table base. Additionally, the table base includes recesses for cups, known as cup holders. The table base may also include a sliding tray to store a remote control, TVGuide® or even cigars, candies, and the like.

The support may be a single support or may be comprised of a number of supports such as legs to support the table base and table top. The support may include rubber to prevent slippage of the table on smooth surfaces, or in contrast may include casters or wheels to enable movement of the table itself. The supports may also have anchors or hold-downs to provide for further securing the table to the floor. Alternatively, the support may be practiced without casters, wheels or glides.

The table base supports the table top on the supports and houses the sliding cup holders and storage tray. The interior of the table base is hollow and includes various compartments and sliders.

The table base has a series of sides which include recesses in which to support the table top. The table top may be flush with the table base sides. The table top has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is a conventional appearance such as wood or wood veneer, metal or polymer (resin or plastic). The bottom surface contains a graphic such as a sports team logo, a sports personality face, or other sports logos or any picture or otherwise known graphic. The top surface of the table base also has a receptacle means for removable receiving of the table top. The top surface of the table top may be used as a dining, coffee or other type table. The base, top or a combination of both may contain a moving means to move the top from one surface to the other, such as a flipping means, and may also include a locking means to keep the table top in place once in position within the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective of the table base without the top showing the sliding trays and recessed cup holders in a pulled out position, and the top separate from the base with a sports graphic.

FIG. 2 is a view of the table base with the table top, having a sports graphic, inserted within the base and showing the sliding trays and recessed cup holders in a pulled out position.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the table base including the sliding trays and recessed cup holders in a stored position within the base, without the table top.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the table base.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the table base including the conventional surface of the table top.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the table base.

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the table base, without the top, showing the sliding tray with recessed cup holders stored within the base.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the table base, without the top, showing the sliding tray with recessed cup holders in a pulled out position.

FIG. 9 is a view of one embodiment of the moving means with a handle and wheel to lift the table top for flipping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a table wherein the table base has a reversible table top. The table top has two surfaces including a conventional table appearance on the top surface and a graphic on the bottom surface, such as a sport's logo.

Referring now to the drawings, the details of preferred embodiments of the present invention are graphically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers, and any similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective of the table with a convertible table top removed and separate. The table 10 has at least one support 20 for contacting the table 10 with a floor surface 30. The table base 40 is attached to the support 20. The table base 40 includes a convertible table top 50. The table top 50 has two surfaces, a top surface 60 (shown) and a bottom surface 70 (not shown in FIG. 1, but shown in FIGS. 5 and 8). The bottom surface 70 including a graphic is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The shape and look of the table base 40 may be of any configuration deemed appropriate by the ordinary skilled artisan, including square, rectangle, oval, oblong or multi-sided (e.g., hexagonal or octagonal). FIGS. 1 through 8 show the table base 40 in the shape of an octagon.

FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 7 are perspectives or top views of the table base 40 without the table top 50. The table base 40 has a recess 80 in which to secure the table top 50. The table top 50 may be flush with the sides or frame 90 of the table base 40, as seen in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8, or be higher than the frame when in place or lower than the frame when in place within the recess. The table base 40 also includes at least one sliding drawer or tray 100. The table base includes rail guides 95 for use in conjunction with sliders 110. The sliding drawer or tray 100 is moveable via sliders 110 and includes recesses 120 for cup holders 130. The table base 40 may also include a sliding drawer or tray 140, again moveable via sliders 150, for storing items. Multiple sliding drawers or trays 140 may be included in the table base 40.

After being pulled out and flipped over, the table top may be put into place by manual pressure. The table top may also be locked in place by any known lock, such as a locking mechanism, locking hinge, mechanical fastening device or other securing means.

Further, an embodiment of the present invention may include a rotating table top connected to the table base via a wheel. FIG. 9 shows the side perspective view of the mechanism. The table would include a handle 160 located on the side of the support 20 and under the table base 40 and out of view from an observer above the table. The handle 160 is connected to a wheel 170 via a rod 180. When in use the handle 160 is moved, causing the wheel 170 to move and the table top 50 to lift up, making it easy to flip the table top 50 over from the top to the bottom side, or the reverse. Other means to lift the table top 50 are possible such as a rotating means, a cantilever means, and other moving means to move the top from one side surface to the other side surface.

The table top 50 may also be hinged to the table base via rotational bearing or other means such that the table top 50 may be flipped into place or rotated so that the bottom side 70 is now in view and the top side 60 is in the recess 80 of the table base 40 out of view.

Further, as the graphics are found on the bottom 70 of the table top 50, the user could purchase additional table tops 50 including various graphics. For example, a sports fan could purchase a table top 50 with a New York Yankees logo graphic on the bottom side 70, and another with New York Giants logo graphic or a New York Rangers logo graphic on the bottom side 70 of the second table top. Thus, the user could alternate the graphics depending on the season and appropriate sport being watched on Game Day. Further, the sports logos could be one from a soccer team and another from a cricket team, again the possibilities are limitless.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second, third or further table tops 50 may be sufficiently thin so as to be stored within the recess 80 of the table base 40. Therefore, the graphic surfaces and tops may be readily exchangeable. In an alternate embodiment the graphics can be printed on a veneer or clear overlay for use when the bottom side 70 of the table top 50 is in use so that the user has multiple graphics to choose from and stored in the recess 80 when not in use and when the conventional top side 60 of the table top is in use. In these embodiments the securing or locking mechanism is adjusted for the additional width of the table tops 50 a, 50 b, and so on.

The invention is adapted to use with virtually any table. Although the invention is illustrated with respect to an octagonal table top, the table top arrangement may take the form of a table of any other standard geometric shape, i.e., square, rectangle, circular, oval, elliptical, hexagonal, or the like. Non-standard shapes, e.g., horseshoe, semi-circular, or other shapes, are also possible.

The support 20 may be a single support such as a pedestal table, or may be comprised of a number of legs, usually numbering four, to support the table base 40 and table top 50. The support 20 may include rubber to prevent slippage of the table on smooth surfaces, or in contrast may include casters or wheels to enable movement of the table itself. The supports 20 may also have anchors or hold-downs to provide for further securing the table to the floor. Alternatively, the base may be practiced without casters, wheels or glides.

The table base 40 supports the table top 50 on the supports 20 and houses the sliding cup holders 130 and storage tray 140. The interior of the table base 40 is hollow in that it is not solid so as to include various compartments or drawers and sliders. The compartments may house remote controls, magazines, gameboy type controls or store other electronic devices. FIGS. 1 and 7 show the table base 40 with the table top removed and the sliding tray 100 in a pulled out position, while FIG. 3 shows the depth of the tray for storing items behind the cup holders.

The table base 40 and table top 50 may be fabricated from wood, or it may be made from a pressed wood or other material with a wood veneer. It may also be comprised of a molded, extruded or machined synthetic resinous plastic material, or a lightweight metal, such as aluminum or the like.

The number of graphics which may be applied to the bottom surface 70 of the table top 60 is limitless. Examples include sports team logos such as football teams, baseball teams, soccer teams, basketball teams and the like. A specific sports personality may be on the bottom surface 70 such as Payton Manning, Alex Rodriquez, Kobe Bryant, Wayne Rooney or Lionel Messi. Further, a NASCAR logo, major league baseball logo, soccer team logo or football team logo may be included on the bottom surface 70 of the convertible table top 60. While not being limited to sports graphics, it is conceivable that other graphics be included such as holiday graphics, pop star graphics, television or music or other entertainment logos or personalities. The scope of graphics is limitless.

The graphics may be set on the bottom surface of the top by various application methods, such as but not limited to printing, painting, laser, lithography, or carving.

In use, the table 10, when having the top surface 60 including wood appearance, is the usual use of the table 10. However, on a weekend, or playoff day, otherwise known as “Game Day”, the bottom surface 70 of the table top is reversed and converted such that the graphic printed on it is seen. The table top 50 is set in the recess 80 and secured if necessary. Thus, the man of the house can root for his favorite team, and yet the woman of the house has a conventional table top during the remainder of the week or season. Further, the sliding trays may be used to hold beverages in the cup holders, as well as sports magazines, a remote control, or even cigars to enjoy during the game.

The table 10 may be any type of table such as a coffee table, side table, lamp table, dining table, kitchen table, desk and the like.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

PARTS LIST

-   10 Table -   20 Support(s) -   40 Table base -   50 Table top -   60 Top surface of table top -   70 Bottom surface of table top with graphic -   80 Recess -   90 Frame -   95 Rail guide -   100 Sliding tray -   110 Sliders -   120 Cup holder recess -   130 Cup holders -   150 Sliders -   160 Handle -   170 Wheel -   180 Rod -   190 Moving means -   200 Locking means 

1. A table, comprising: a support; a base attached to the support wherein the base has a frame and a recess for receiving a top; and a moveable top capable of being set within the recess flush with the frame, having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface has the appearance of a conventional table and the bottom surface has a graphic thereon.
 2. A table according to claim 1 wherein the graphic is printed, painted, applied or carved on the bottom surface.
 3. A table according to claim 1 wherein the graphic may be a picture, logo or words.
 4. A table according to claim 3 wherein the graphic relates to a sports team or sports figure.
 5. A table according to claim 1 further comprising: at least two rail guides within the base; at least one drawer slidable on the rail glides.
 6. The table according to claim 5 further comprising sliders within the rail guides.
 7. A table according to claim 6 wherein the sliders are removable.
 8. A table according to claim 5 wherein the drawer further comprises an aperture for holding a cup.
 9. A table according to claim 1 further comprising a moving means within the recess to move the top from one surface side to the other surface side.
 10. A table according to claim 9 wherein the moving means is a rotating means, wheel, spring, lever or combination thereof.
 11. A table according to claim 1 further comprising a securing means to keep the movable top within the recess.
 12. A table according to claim 11 wherein the securing means is a a locking mechanism or a locking hinge.
 13. A table according to claim 11 wherein the securing means comprises: a wheel; a rod connected to the wheel and the top to rotate the top on the wheel; and a handle connected to the top.
 14. A table according to claim 1 further comprising a pivotally supported member attached to the top.
 15. A table according to claim 1 further comprising caster or other moving means connected to the support for moving the table.
 16. A table according to claim 15 wherein the moving means includes a locking means.
 17. A table according to claim 1 wherein the top is sufficiently thin so as to store a plurality of tops within the base recess.
 18. A table according to claim 1 wherein the base is in a geometric shape.
 19. A table according to claim 18 wherein the base is in the shape of a rectangle, oval, circle, square, hexagon, pentagon, octagon, semicircle, ellipse, or combinations thereof.
 20. A table according to claim 1 wherein the table has a material selected from the group of wood, metal, cork, polymer or combinations thereof. 